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Ex-Eagle, Chap, Raider Watkins takes over at LCHS

A-J SPORTS EDITOR

During his nearly decade-long career as a professional baseball player, Steve Watkins used to begin each season by stopping by Lubbock Christian High School, where he pitched to the players, offered a few pointers, but also prepared himself for spring training.

He never had the title of head coach — until Saturday.

The former San Diego Padres pitcher accepted his first coaching job Saturday night, agreeing to take the reins at LCHS, the high school he graduated from in 1996.

“The idea got thrown at me and was kind of far-fetched at first,” he said. “I have a regular job I have to go to. But my wife and I started kicking it around in amusement, started talking about it, and it all kind of worked together.”

LCHS athletic director Aaron Stone said he received several phone calls from parents and boosters recommending he seek out Watkins to replace Randy Gattis, who took the job as Slaton’s head coach. Gattis told Stone he was leaving on Wednesday, and by Wednesday afternoon Watkins had an interview lined up.

“Really, this is none of my doing,” Watkins said. “I didn’t do anything to earn this job. It was all the parents, the boosters, the school administrators who got it done. I would have to give them all the credit in the world.”

Stone said he likes Watkins’ connections to both LCHS and his predecessor; Watkins and Gattis are close friends who’ve run a baseball academy together. He also likes what Watkins’ pro experience lends him as a coach.

“He’s been at the biggest and best baseball fields you can play in, the highest level you can play, and his character never wavered,” Stone said. “We’re looking for our kids to benefit from that character on the field.”

Watkins attended LCU in 1997 and Texas Tech in 1998. He played most of his professional career with the Padres, but also put in time with the Cleveland Indians, Washington Nationals and in Asia.

Stone called him “one of the best pitchers I’ve seen.”

“Most of the knowledge I’ve gained came through all those innings I sat through and watched and played in,” Watkins said. “You get to play for and against some really incredible people, the wizard minds of baseball.”